The Amsterdam Adventure

Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang #1

by Paul O'Grady

The hilarious and action-packed middle grade adventure from beloved comedian and bestselling author Paul O’Grady. Unbeknownst to anyone, somewhat-unhappy and never-quite-fitting in 10-year-old Eddie Albert can speak to animals, including his pet dog Butch, his hamster and his two goldfish (who claim they were once pirates). But when Eddie is sent to stay with his eccentric aunt in Amsterdam, he discovers that she too has this gift… So begins a breathless cosmopolitan comic crime adventure, as Eddie, Aunt Budge, his new friend Flo and a whole gang of amazing animals take on the most-dastardly villain Amsterdam has ever seen, in a desperate race against time to save one of their own. Eddie Albert is a technicolour cinematic adventure packed full of friendship, animals, action… and always, of course, a wicked sense of humour

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Animals

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2021

About the author

Paul James Michael O'Grady MBE (born 14 June 1955) was an English comedian, television presenter, actor, writer and radio DJ. He was best known for presenting the daytime chat television series, The Paul O'Grady Show and, more recently, Paul O'Grady Live, as well as his drag queen comedic alter ego, Lily Savage, as whom he performed in various television series including Blankety Blank (1997–1999) and Lily Live! (2000–2001). He also appeared in the comedy sitcom Eyes Down (2003–2004) and presented several travel documentaries.

Born to a working class Irish migrant family in Birkenhead, O'Grady went through various jobs in his youth, including working in various bars, for the civil service and for social services, moving around the country to do so. It was whilst living in London in 1978 that he first turned his hand to drag, developing the character of Lily Savage based upon various female relatives of his.

Reviews

[Kendra (SteministKendra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the cutest book ever and clearly I wanna be able to talk to animals!

[Evelyn Evertsen-Romp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een spannend, grappig en origineel verhaal. Ik ben fan.

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 8 year old daughter and it was a great book for us to both read we both enjoyed it. I hope Paul O Grady writes more books for children this was lovely

Eddie Albert has the gift of being able to understand what animals are saying but he keeps his talent secret until he visits his Aunt Budge in Amsterdam where his talent comes in very handy when he comes across horrible Vera Van Loon….

[James Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tris book is so engaging and fun. I would recommend reading it to anyone! I could barely put it down.

[Kirsten Paoline König]

Zo leuk! Een ontzettend grappig verhaal met scènes die er soms heerlijk dik bovenop liggen voor lezers vanaf een jaar of tien. Eddie Albert leeft als een semi-Sjakie met zijn vader in een eenvoudig flatje en moet noodgedwongen in de vakantie logeren bij zijn enigszins markante tante in Amsterdam (die om de hoek bij De Kinderboekwinkel blijkt te wonen) en ontdekt dat zij net als hijzelf met dieren kan praten.

Een grappig en warm avontuur dat begint met het willen redden van een ontvoerde baby-orang oetan en eindigt met de hysterie van een regelmatig plastisch chirurgisch verbeterde vrouw en grillige haargroei. Over vriendschap, de band met je huisdier en over Amsterdam: de grachten, de bewoners, het luiden van de Westertoren en fietsen door het drukke verkeer. Een heel fijn boek dat me regelmatig hardop deed lachen van een auteur die van alles in het leven heeft gedaan (drag, presenteren, schrijven) voordat hij als kinderboekenauteur debuteerde.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the first children's novel for Paul O'Grady.
About a young lad called Eddie who gets into much trouble at home in England. Eddie has a unique ability of being able to communicate with animals which, no one knows about and it gets him into a lot of trouble .
Then, one summer Eddie gets sent to stay with an old Aunt in Amsterdam.
His unique skill comes in very handy when he spots an orangutan in trouble.
During his time in Amsterdam Eddie grows in confidence and his skill of being an "intuitive" becomes common knowledge, something Eddie no longer has to hide.
The book is an easy read, the characters from Eddie to Aunt Budge are engaging and the book will make you smile.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a children's book, but I really enjoyed it, even as an adult. It's a light-hearted, fun and easy read, which has helped get me out of a reading slump.

Eddie's a 10 year old boy with an amazing secret talent - he can communicate with animals. One summer he goes to visit his aunt in Amsterdam, and it turns out she has the same gift.

Eddie and his aunt have lots of adventures, including their mission to rescue a stolen orangutan!

I'd recommend this book to both children and adults. There's also now a sequel, which I'd like to read too.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult who loves animals, I truly adored this book.
I was a smidge concerned about reading a children's book, but I realised I have read several of Terry Pratchett's children's books and thought, why not?
What a fantastic story. Eddie and animals are a delight, his aunt in Amsterdam is an absolute hoot.
The whole time I was reading the book [not long enough] I had Paul's voice in my head.
I cannot wait to read the next one.
Adults and children will enjoy this book.

[donna craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel in love with this book as soon as I read the 1st page .I could just hear Paul Ogrady talking .Eddie lost his mum and lives in a tiny flat until his dad has to train for a promotion and then the adventures begin with his Aunt Budge .can't wait for the next one

[Haley Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book about a young boy named Eddie who possesses the most amazing talent. Sadly, due to bullies Eddie is ashamed of his talent and hides it away, until he meets aunt budge and goes on some brilliant adventures in Amsterdam

[Grace Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book with a lovely heart

[Anna-marie Bleby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my 9-year-old son, and we both loved it.

[Jeanet Tiemessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eddie Albert en de bonte beestenbende – Paul O’Grady

De tienjarige Eddie Albert heeft een geheim: hij kan met dieren praten! Zoals met zijn hond Rocky, zijn hamster en zijn goudvissen. Als hij bij zijn tante in Amsterdam gaat logeren, ontdekt hij dat zij het ook kan!
Hij voelt zich meteen thuis in het grote huis aan de gracht. Maar dan ziet hij op een nacht hoe een orang-oetan met een ketting om zijn nek wordt weggevoerd in een bootje… Het laatste wat hij hoort is: ‘Help!’
Zo begint een adembenemende race tegen de klok voor Eddie en zijn beestenbende!

Eddie Albert en de bonte beestenbende is het eerste deel van een nieuwe serie met veel actie en avontuur.

Het eerste dat opvalt is de super gave cover in mooie frisse kleuren. Maar ook het binnenwerk mag er zijn met mooie Amsterdamse grachtenpandjes en een collage van schilderijen waarop al veel personages die in het boek een rol gaan spelen worden voorgesteld. Ook de overige illustraties van Sue Hellard zijn erg leuk en grappig en passen goed bij het verhaal.

Hoofdpersonage Eddie is een leuke jongen, lief en zorgzaam, vooral voor alle dieren. Daarnaast heeft hij een gave die hem erg bijzonder maakt, maar ook voortdurend in de problemen brengt. Mijn favoriete personage is tante Budge, want wat een heerlijk mens is dat.

Het verhaal is grappig, leest vlot en wordt naarmate het boek vordert ook steeds spannender. Erg leuk ook dat het verhaal zich grotendeels in Amsterdam afspeelt!

Eddie Albert en de bonte beestenbende is een leuk en grappig verhaal voor kinderen vanaf ongeveer 10 jaar die van avontuur en actie houden!

[Katie & Alfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So gripping! Like my head was glued to it. I was thinking about it all day. I liked that it had quite funny bits in it that made me laugh out loud. If you like animals and funny stories, it's the book for you. - AJH, aged 9.

[Roksana Wronska · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the start i found this book really boring but as i read on it got even better, the amount of twists in this book is amazing. Nearly cried at Stanley nearly dying.. I adore the plot and i really wanna read the next book!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant adventure story. You can tell who Vera is based on. R.I.P Paul. These books would have been a great series.

[Naomi Rooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened via audible.

Cute little story. Rest in peace Paul O'Grady. 🩷

[Jackie Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a very good book.
Looking forward to the next one

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a grown adult I fully enjoyed every page of this book. What a wonderful adventure! I’m sure children would enjoy it, but adults of all ages can too

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good yet I felt there was something missing towards the end. 3.75 stars!!

[Gemma Abrams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with my son. It was really hard to keep going at some parts. It wasn’t what I had expected. An ok read but not a favourite

[COW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eddie muss überraschend mit Sack und Pack für ein paar Wochen zu seiner Tante nach Amsterdam. Natürlich sind seine tierischen Freunde auch dabei, denn Eddie kann mit seinen Tieren reden. Dort erreicht ihn dann ein tierischer Hilferuf.

Die Geschichte besticht vor allem durch die ungewöhnlichen Charaktere, allen voran Tante Budge- sie ist so eine herrlich verrückte, völlig unkonventionelle und mega symphatische Dame, die kann man einfach nur gern haben. Auch die Tierchen haben jedes für sich ihre Eigenheiten und Spleens, was sie interessant und sympathisch macht. So ist das Grundthema das Miteinander der Generationen und verschiedenen Herkünfte - ganz ohne Vorurteile. Das finden wir sehr gut umgesetzt und hat uns gut gefallen. Leider kommt die eigentliche Spannungshandlung, also der Hilferuf und seine Folgen erst recht spät im Buch und wirkte auf mich eher nebensächlich. Das Thema Tierschutz ist wichtig und gut umgesetzt. Die Auflösung fanden wir recht kreativ und witzig - durch die Illustrationen wird das Ganze noch unterstrichen. Wer also auf eher ruhige Geschichten steht, in denen sich die Figuren langsam entwickelt und entfalten, ist hier genau richtig. Für unseren Geschmack hätte es ein bisschen mehr Spannung und Action sein können. Dennoch hat uns die Geschichte rund um Eddie und seine Freunde sehr gut gefallen und gerade durch die Verquickung von jungen und älteren Figuren ist sie in unseren Augen besonders charmant.

[Lydia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the animals in the story.

[Ollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Eddie Albert And The Amazing Animal Gang’ is the fun-packed, exciting debut novel from the lovely Paul O’Grady. I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you’re going through a bit of a reading slump or just want to read something easy, fun and with a great cast and plot then this should be right up your street. O’Grady writes with warmth, compassion and his imagination runs riot as we’re introduced to 10-year-old Eddie Albert, who discovers that he can communicate with animals. It’s a skill that gets him into some trouble at times at school - that’s when he isn’t being bullied by the horrid Quentin Harris.

Eddie’s father is doing his best to raise Eddie alone following the tragic loss of Eddie’s mom. However, working in a local supermarket means long hours and low pay. So when an opportunity comes up for a management role, it means a 2 week training course hundreds of miles away. So Eddie and his array of charming pets are sent to spend some time in Amsterdam with his mysterious Aunt Budge.

It’s here where we experience life in a new city for Eddie and his pets, who find themselves deep in a dangerous and exciting adventure that could mean life or death.

Funny, witty, warm and engaging, there’s little not to like about this debut. I’m sure both children and adults are going to root for Eddie and his pals as they embark on a race with a clear good v bad moral. A feel-good book that makes you feel all warm inside and..let’s be honest here, who doesn’t want to speak to the animals?

A big thumbs up for the fab illustrations and artwork.

A thoroughly enjoyable romp.

[Kim Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fun story but having it narrated by the late great Paul O’Grady made it perfect for me

[FeedMyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie is that boy at school who seems to always be getting in trouble when he hasn't done anything wrong and is picked on for the fact he doesn't have the latest mobile phone or in fact a mobile phone at all but what nobody knows is that Eddie has a very special gift, he can communicate with animals.

When Eddie's dad gets a promotion that will mean Eddie needs to go and stay with his Aunt Budge in her rather large house, he can't believe how great things are in his life. He meets the young girl next door and finds himself having a new friend in her, he is able to cycle around Amsterdam and enjoy all the sights that he never imagined he would get the chance to but then one night he spots something which turns his entire world upside down. Can Eddie and his animal friends work together to stop Vera Van Loon? What really happened to that orangutan they have said has gone missing from the zoo?

This is a well written and fun book that is one I can really see younger readers loving. I'd say that the fact the main character, Eddie is 10 years old means you are looking around this age for the target audience but if you are older than this I really don't think it takes away from the book at all. This is a book I would definitely recommend.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I’m not the target audience for this book but I enjoyed it nonetheless. A recommendation from my hairdresser in case I fancied something light and amusing. Given the state of the news at the moment, I definitely fancied something light. A good adventure. Fun characters. And obviously I now wish that I had the talent of being able to understand what animals say!

[Claire Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read, took me ages due to being poorly but read from page 56 to the end in 1 day. This novel had a good plot and was really good considering it was Paul's first fiction book. It is defo aimed towards children but I throughly enjoyed it and loved the characters. I'd recommend to anyone to give it a go.

[Juliet Ruston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first ,I hope of many adventures with Eddie Albert a boy who can talk to animals. Not only is the Paul O'Grady first children's book . For me I just loved all the characters and if I read as I child would have not been able to put down. It was just a very fun and feel good book for anyone to read especially if you are a parent wanting to try a read together.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little library read.
Paul O’Grady has ventured into children’s literature with this first book in the Eddie Albert series.
This has charming characters and villians that remind you of Roald Dahl creations.
Its a charming story and is great for both children and big kids.